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Immigration Uncertainty During U.S. Shutdown
The United States entered a partial government shutdown on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a federal funding bill and the shut down is in its third week. For the global mobility industry, the shutdown can become a logistical and compliance challenge. Delays in immigration processing, Social Security card issuance, tax filings, and even economic data collection can stall relocations, disrupt payroll, and complicate budget forecasting.
Mobility leaders should take stock of current and upcoming relocations that depend on government processing, especially immigration, payroll, and benefits activation, and focus on advancing those with the fewest government touchpoints. Early communication with stakeholders and transferring employees can help maintain confidence while minimizing disruption.
Immigration Processing
Labor Department (DOL) functions halted
The DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification has suspended major processes, including Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), PERM labor certifications, and prevailing wage determinations. These shutdowns create immediate barriers for work visa filings and renewals. WERC cautions that extended furloughs may result in staffing reductions, lengthening recovery times even after government operations resume.
For companies sponsoring inbound talent, it is advisable to alert hiring managers to potential start-date shifts and ensure immigration counsel is prepared to file as soon as systems reopen. Keeping a prioritized list of pending cases ready for submission can reduce exposure to the backlog once processing resumes.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The USCIS remains operational, as application fees primarily fund its operations. USCIS continues to process H-1B, L-1, and adjustment-of-status petitions. However, any submission requiring DOL input or collaboration across agencies may be delayed due to interagency coordination.
Building a simple dashboard to track open petitions and identify where DOL or consular dependencies could stall progress can help HR and mobility teams maintain visibility and keep stakeholders informed.
Consular processing and visa appointments
U.S. embassies and consulates continue to issue visas and passports using retained fee revenue, but these reserves are finite. Should the shutdown persist, only emergency visa services may continue.
Companies should avoid scheduling non-urgent travel requiring new visa issuance until consular operations fully stabilize. When possible, remote onboarding or flexible start-date arrangements can preserve momentum for new hires awaiting visa appointments.
E-Verify status
E-Verify operations, which were initially suspended at the start of the shutdown, have since been resumed by USCIS. Employers may continue to verify new hires, though processing backlogs or intermittent access issues remain possible.
Employers should ensure I-9 documentation remains complete and consistent and note any verification interruptions for audit purposes. Maintaining clear compliance records during system fluctuations can safeguard against later scrutiny.
Social Security and Verification Services
Suspension of new applicant services
Approximately 15% of the Social Security Administration’s workforce—based on estimates from prior shutdowns—are expected to be furloughed, which can slow or suspend some new applicant services.
Impact on assignees
Foreign nationals arriving in the U.S. may face delays in obtaining Social Security numbers, which are necessary to join payroll, open bank accounts, and establish credit. Even continuing services are likely to experience longer wait times as backlogs grow.
To prevent payroll or benefit disruptions, mobility teams may coordinate temporary ID or payroll solutions with HR and finance departments. Communicating anticipated delays to new arrivals helps manage expectations and reduces onboarding stress.
Verification slowdowns
Some verification tools, such as the electronic Consent-Based SSN Verification (eCBSV) system used by banks and employers to prevent fraud, may experience outages or delays depending on available staffing. The impact could slow payroll setup, banking, and housing approvals for assignees.
For employees depending on U.S. credit or banking access, relocation advances or extended corporate housing can help bridge temporary verification gaps and ease the transition.
Tax and Mortgage Effects
As funding runs out, the IRS is furloughing non-essential staff, which will delay the processing of returns, transcript requests, and refund verification. Employers managing expatriate payroll and tax compliance should anticipate longer turnaround times and plan for potential filing delays.
Coordination with tax service providers is essential; factoring in potential processing delays now can help prevent year-end surprises. Communicating proactively with employees about possible delays in reimbursement or tax processing timelines reinforces transparency and trust.
The shutdown may also affect housing and financing. Reduced staffing within the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veterans Affairs (VA) could delay mortgage underwriting and closing, potentially complicating home purchases for relocating employees.
Employers and relocation lenders should build flexibility into closing timelines and rate-lock expirations. Working with partners experienced in shutdown contingencies can minimize the risk of failed or delayed closings or unexpected costs.
Economic Indicators and Budget Delays
The shutdown has also halted the publication of certain federal economic indicators, including some labor statistics and cost-of-living indexes. Many organizations rely on this data to determine housing allowances, COLA adjustments, and assignment budgets. The absence of updated reports may challenge short-term forecasting and budget projection for global mobility.
Until new government data is available, companies may rely on private cost-of-living or inflation data to maintain continuity in budgeting. Documenting these temporary assumptions provides clarity for future audits and policy reviews once official data resumes.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 government shutdown highlights the profound interconnection between federal operations and global mobility. Even short disruptions can ripple across immigration, onboarding, and payroll functions critical to relocating employees.
This event underscores the importance of continuity planning within relocation programs, especially around immigration and verification processes. Establishing internal “shutdown protocols” that identify agency dependencies and define alternate workflows can help programs recover faster and maintain service stability during future federal disruptions.
Mobility leaders should document all impacts, communicate proactively with stakeholders, and plan for extended recovery periods once normal operations resume.
NEI will continue to monitor federal developments and provide timely updates as conditions evolve.
This industry alert is provided by NEI Global Relocation for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
The information contained herein is based on sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication; however, laws, regulations, and government guidance may change without notice. Companies should consult with qualified legal counsel and immigration advisors before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided. To ensure timeliness and accuracy, NEI utilized both human research and AI-assisted tools in preparing this alert. While AI technology was employed to support the collection and analysis of publicly available information, all findings were reviewed and synthesized by NEI subject matter experts prior to release.
Immigration Uncertainty During U.S. Shutdown
The United States entered a partial government shutdown on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a federal funding bill and the shut down is in its third week. For the global mobility industry, the shutdown can become a logistical and compliance challenge. Delays in immigration processing, Social Security card issuance, tax filings, and even economic data collection can stall relocations, disrupt payroll, and complicate budget forecasting.
Mobility leaders should take stock of current and upcoming relocations that depend on government processing, especially immigration, payroll, and benefits activation, and focus on advancing those with the fewest government touchpoints. Early communication with stakeholders and transferring employees can help maintain confidence while minimizing disruption.
Immigration Processing
Labor Department (DOL) functions halted
The DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification has suspended major processes, including Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), PERM labor certifications, and prevailing wage determinations. These shutdowns create immediate barriers for work visa filings and renewals. WERC cautions that extended furloughs may result in staffing reductions, lengthening recovery times even after government operations resume.
For companies sponsoring inbound talent, it is advisable to alert hiring managers to potential start-date shifts and ensure immigration counsel is prepared to file as soon as systems reopen. Keeping a prioritized list of pending cases ready for submission can reduce exposure to the backlog once processing resumes.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The USCIS remains operational, as application fees primarily fund its operations. USCIS continues to process H-1B, L-1, and adjustment-of-status petitions. However, any submission requiring DOL input or collaboration across agencies may be delayed due to interagency coordination.
Building a simple dashboard to track open petitions and identify where DOL or consular dependencies could stall progress can help HR and mobility teams maintain visibility and keep stakeholders informed.
Consular processing and visa appointments
U.S. embassies and consulates continue to issue visas and passports using retained fee revenue, but these reserves are finite. Should the shutdown persist, only emergency visa services may continue.
Companies should avoid scheduling non-urgent travel requiring new visa issuance until consular operations fully stabilize. When possible, remote onboarding or flexible start-date arrangements can preserve momentum for new hires awaiting visa appointments.
E-Verify status
E-Verify operations, which were initially suspended at the start of the shutdown, have since been resumed by USCIS. Employers may continue to verify new hires, though processing backlogs or intermittent access issues remain possible.
Employers should ensure I-9 documentation remains complete and consistent and note any verification interruptions for audit purposes. Maintaining clear compliance records during system fluctuations can safeguard against later scrutiny.
Social Security and Verification Services
Suspension of new applicant services
Approximately 15% of the Social Security Administration’s workforce—based on estimates from prior shutdowns—are expected to be furloughed, which can slow or suspend some new applicant services.
Impact on assignees
Foreign nationals arriving in the U.S. may face delays in obtaining Social Security numbers, which are necessary to join payroll, open bank accounts, and establish credit. Even continuing services are likely to experience longer wait times as backlogs grow.
To prevent payroll or benefit disruptions, mobility teams may coordinate temporary ID or payroll solutions with HR and finance departments. Communicating anticipated delays to new arrivals helps manage expectations and reduces onboarding stress.
Verification slowdowns
Some verification tools, such as the electronic Consent-Based SSN Verification (eCBSV) system used by banks and employers to prevent fraud, may experience outages or delays depending on available staffing. The impact could slow payroll setup, banking, and housing approvals for assignees.
For employees depending on U.S. credit or banking access, relocation advances or extended corporate housing can help bridge temporary verification gaps and ease the transition.
Tax and Mortgage Effects
As funding runs out, the IRS is furloughing non-essential staff, which will delay the processing of returns, transcript requests, and refund verification. Employers managing expatriate payroll and tax compliance should anticipate longer turnaround times and plan for potential filing delays.
Coordination with tax service providers is essential; factoring in potential processing delays now can help prevent year-end surprises. Communicating proactively with employees about possible delays in reimbursement or tax processing timelines reinforces transparency and trust.
The shutdown may also affect housing and financing. Reduced staffing within the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veterans Affairs (VA) could delay mortgage underwriting and closing, potentially complicating home purchases for relocating employees.
Employers and relocation lenders should build flexibility into closing timelines and rate-lock expirations. Working with partners experienced in shutdown contingencies can minimize the risk of failed or delayed closings or unexpected costs.
Economic Indicators and Budget Delays
The shutdown has also halted the publication of certain federal economic indicators, including some labor statistics and cost-of-living indexes. Many organizations rely on this data to determine housing allowances, COLA adjustments, and assignment budgets. The absence of updated reports may challenge short-term forecasting and budget projection for global mobility.
Until new government data is available, companies may rely on private cost-of-living or inflation data to maintain continuity in budgeting. Documenting these temporary assumptions provides clarity for future audits and policy reviews once official data resumes.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 government shutdown highlights the profound interconnection between federal operations and global mobility. Even short disruptions can ripple across immigration, onboarding, and payroll functions critical to relocating employees.
This event underscores the importance of continuity planning within relocation programs, especially around immigration and verification processes. Establishing internal “shutdown protocols” that identify agency dependencies and define alternate workflows can help programs recover faster and maintain service stability during future federal disruptions.
Mobility leaders should document all impacts, communicate proactively with stakeholders, and plan for extended recovery periods once normal operations resume.
NEI will continue to monitor federal developments and provide timely updates as conditions evolve.
This industry alert is provided by NEI Global Relocation for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
The information contained herein is based on sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication; however, laws, regulations, and government guidance may change without notice. Companies should consult with qualified legal counsel and immigration advisors before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided. To ensure timeliness and accuracy, NEI utilized both human research and AI-assisted tools in preparing this alert. While AI technology was employed to support the collection and analysis of publicly available information, all findings were reviewed and synthesized by NEI subject matter experts prior to release.
Immigration Uncertainty During U.S. Shutdown
The United States entered a partial government shutdown on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a federal funding bill and the shut down is in its third week. For the global mobility industry, the shutdown can become a logistical and compliance challenge. Delays in immigration processing, Social Security card issuance, tax filings, and even economic data collection can stall relocations, disrupt payroll, and complicate budget forecasting.
Mobility leaders should take stock of current and upcoming relocations that depend on government processing, especially immigration, payroll, and benefits activation, and focus on advancing those with the fewest government touchpoints. Early communication with stakeholders and transferring employees can help maintain confidence while minimizing disruption.
Immigration Processing
Labor Department (DOL) functions halted
The DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification has suspended major processes, including Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), PERM labor certifications, and prevailing wage determinations. These shutdowns create immediate barriers for work visa filings and renewals. WERC cautions that extended furloughs may result in staffing reductions, lengthening recovery times even after government operations resume.
For companies sponsoring inbound talent, it is advisable to alert hiring managers to potential start-date shifts and ensure immigration counsel is prepared to file as soon as systems reopen. Keeping a prioritized list of pending cases ready for submission can reduce exposure to the backlog once processing resumes.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The USCIS remains operational, as application fees primarily fund its operations. USCIS continues to process H-1B, L-1, and adjustment-of-status petitions. However, any submission requiring DOL input or collaboration across agencies may be delayed due to interagency coordination.
Building a simple dashboard to track open petitions and identify where DOL or consular dependencies could stall progress can help HR and mobility teams maintain visibility and keep stakeholders informed.
Consular processing and visa appointments
U.S. embassies and consulates continue to issue visas and passports using retained fee revenue, but these reserves are finite. Should the shutdown persist, only emergency visa services may continue.
Companies should avoid scheduling non-urgent travel requiring new visa issuance until consular operations fully stabilize. When possible, remote onboarding or flexible start-date arrangements can preserve momentum for new hires awaiting visa appointments.
E-Verify status
E-Verify operations, which were initially suspended at the start of the shutdown, have since been resumed by USCIS. Employers may continue to verify new hires, though processing backlogs or intermittent access issues remain possible.
Employers should ensure I-9 documentation remains complete and consistent and note any verification interruptions for audit purposes. Maintaining clear compliance records during system fluctuations can safeguard against later scrutiny.
Social Security and Verification Services
Suspension of new applicant services
Approximately 15% of the Social Security Administration’s workforce—based on estimates from prior shutdowns—are expected to be furloughed, which can slow or suspend some new applicant services.
Impact on assignees
Foreign nationals arriving in the U.S. may face delays in obtaining Social Security numbers, which are necessary to join payroll, open bank accounts, and establish credit. Even continuing services are likely to experience longer wait times as backlogs grow.
To prevent payroll or benefit disruptions, mobility teams may coordinate temporary ID or payroll solutions with HR and finance departments. Communicating anticipated delays to new arrivals helps manage expectations and reduces onboarding stress.
Verification slowdowns
Some verification tools, such as the electronic Consent-Based SSN Verification (eCBSV) system used by banks and employers to prevent fraud, may experience outages or delays depending on available staffing. The impact could slow payroll setup, banking, and housing approvals for assignees.
For employees depending on U.S. credit or banking access, relocation advances or extended corporate housing can help bridge temporary verification gaps and ease the transition.
Tax and Mortgage Effects
As funding runs out, the IRS is furloughing non-essential staff, which will delay the processing of returns, transcript requests, and refund verification. Employers managing expatriate payroll and tax compliance should anticipate longer turnaround times and plan for potential filing delays.
Coordination with tax service providers is essential; factoring in potential processing delays now can help prevent year-end surprises. Communicating proactively with employees about possible delays in reimbursement or tax processing timelines reinforces transparency and trust.
The shutdown may also affect housing and financing. Reduced staffing within the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veterans Affairs (VA) could delay mortgage underwriting and closing, potentially complicating home purchases for relocating employees.
Employers and relocation lenders should build flexibility into closing timelines and rate-lock expirations. Working with partners experienced in shutdown contingencies can minimize the risk of failed or delayed closings or unexpected costs.
Economic Indicators and Budget Delays
The shutdown has also halted the publication of certain federal economic indicators, including some labor statistics and cost-of-living indexes. Many organizations rely on this data to determine housing allowances, COLA adjustments, and assignment budgets. The absence of updated reports may challenge short-term forecasting and budget projection for global mobility.
Until new government data is available, companies may rely on private cost-of-living or inflation data to maintain continuity in budgeting. Documenting these temporary assumptions provides clarity for future audits and policy reviews once official data resumes.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 government shutdown highlights the profound interconnection between federal operations and global mobility. Even short disruptions can ripple across immigration, onboarding, and payroll functions critical to relocating employees.
This event underscores the importance of continuity planning within relocation programs, especially around immigration and verification processes. Establishing internal “shutdown protocols” that identify agency dependencies and define alternate workflows can help programs recover faster and maintain service stability during future federal disruptions.
Mobility leaders should document all impacts, communicate proactively with stakeholders, and plan for extended recovery periods once normal operations resume.
NEI will continue to monitor federal developments and provide timely updates as conditions evolve.
This industry alert is provided by NEI Global Relocation for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.
The information contained herein is based on sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication; however, laws, regulations, and government guidance may change without notice. Companies should consult with qualified legal counsel and immigration advisors before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided. To ensure timeliness and accuracy, NEI utilized both human research and AI-assisted tools in preparing this alert. While AI technology was employed to support the collection and analysis of publicly available information, all findings were reviewed and synthesized by NEI subject matter experts prior to release.
